HWS Psychology Colloquium Discusses Compassion

Jacoby Ballard, a yoga and mindfulness teacher, will give a talk about compassion on Wednesday, Feb. 28 as part of the annual Psychology Colloquium at Hobart and William Smith. Ballard’s lecture, “Compassion on Campus; Why, how, and for whom?” will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Geneva Room of the Warren Hunting Smith Library.

During the talk, Ballard will discuss compassion as a skill that can be developed and “grow through our hearts, words, and actions.” In light of the issues of the day, Ballard says the talk will focus on being challenged to find compassion for those across political lines, posing the question: could it be that compassion is a political tool to navigate and mend the chasms we face?

“In this time of gadgets and devices, we are challenged to find a moment of compassion for ourselves amidst the busy-ness, the pressures of productivity, the constant upkeep of communication with others,” Ballard says. “Come to this talk to gain tools and cultivate skills of compassion, toward yourself, your loved ones, neutral people and difficult people.”

Ballard has taught yoga since 1999 in settings ranging from art galleries, gyms, homeless shelters, nonprofit offices, social justice conferences and LGBT Centers. Ballard teaches yoga and Buddhism and has an interest in applying yoga for personal liberation. Ballard, who has taught classes and workshops at HWS, has experience teaching to a wide range of abilities, from a gentle and restorative practice to an advanced vinyasa. In 2015, he was recognized as a “GameChanger” in Yoga Journal.

For information, contact Associate Professor of Psychology Julie Newman Kingery at kingery@hws.edu. The Psychology Colloquium is sponsored by the Office of Campus Life, the Department of Psychology and the Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs.